Experiences with Eibach, H&R and Hartge Springs?

M5TekNYC · 7th May 2008, 01:38

Hi everyone I am picking my 2008 M5 up next week and I have a set of Hartge springs coming soon.

I have tuned every car over the last 15 years and I had mixed results with H&R and Eibachs generic stuff. Some stuff dropped uneven, spring rates too soft leaving a bouncing ride etc.. I have been reading all the forums and lots of guys have the H&R and I wonder why did you decide on these? Is it the price or ease of getting them versus the premium Hartge and AC Schitzer get?

I would like to hear from owners with Hartge and Eibachs so we can all compare and better yet how about posting spring rates between the various vendors.

Living in NYC and driving on the crap roads choosing the right spring is crucial to having a balanced car

m5baller · 7th May 2008, 01:43

I have been running Eibach's since January and have been very happy with look (consistent) ride (similar to stock) and knock on wood, quality!

M5TekNYC · 7th May 2008, 01:45

Eibachs do ride beter than H&R from my experience and I know Carlsson HArtge brother has Eibach make their springs so does Brabus and other really good german tuners.

I think Hartge spring will be good but I wont know until I try.

As for Dinans who knows I dont hear much hype about them

Glock 32 · 7th May 2008, 01:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by M5TekNYC

Eibachs do ride beter than H&R from my experience and I know Carlsson HArtge brother has Eibach make their springs so does Brabus and other really good german tuners.

I think Hartge spring will be good but I wont know until I try.

As for Dinans who knows I dont hear much hype about them

How about RDSport? Lower ride hide by about .25" and .35" up front. From what I hear they are a little softer. Just installed RDSport springs and sway bar kit. Happy so far. Need an alignment (Thursday) before I can really test... I really like how the car sits.

JamesInLV · 7th May 2008, 02:13

A local shop here in Vegas had both the H&R and the Eibach E60 M5 springs come in for customers. They compared them and found the Eibach springs were rebadged H&Rs with a higher price tag!

Wolverine · 7th May 2008, 02:29

I've had the H&R springs and spacers for over 50,000 miles and at least a dozen track sessions. Absolutely superb with no problems whatsoever. (other than a slight rubbing in the rear under a full load that was cured shortly after install by removing a small amount of material from the flange - about $100 in body work).

In terms of modifications to the car, after over 72,000 miles, this is one or the first ones I would do. The car looks much better, corners flatter, reduces squat and dive, and understeer is almost eliminated. The only downside is a slightly stiffer ride (about 1/2 setting).

M5TekNYC · 7th May 2008, 03:40

I hope some Hartge owners reply I want to hear what they have to say. I doubt the Eibachs are rebadged H&R they are two different companies and I will tell you on several occasions H&R put springs to the market with ZERO R/D and here is why.

Years back we had a CLK55 AMG Cabrio and got a set of springs. Installed them and the rear of the car slammed 3+ inches. Well according to the techs at H&R they told me to do the following.
Take a CLK 320 spring and cut 1 coil out. I was laughing how can you just tell a customer to use a spring for a lesser model and cut it and the spring rates should be completly different.

Also had this issue on a 2005 Jaguar XKR coupe same thing the front slammed rear didnt budge in the height. They told me they never installed these on a 2005 car and eventually they discontinued them and so did Eibach. Just because the spring fits doesnt mean it will work great for various models with different drivelines and weights. Had another issue with friend on his 2003 Jaguar S Type R they eventually sent my friend springs for the earlier V6 S Type for the rear so H&R in my book isnt for me.

And guys I live in NYC not California or FL I dont care about the slammed low look I want the stance lower but I also want to enhance the M suspension not degrade it. Im a driver and have professional track time all over the USA so I am looking to do this upgrade the best way possible I am not on a shoe string budget I can get the H&R from a source for $225 the Hartges costing me almost 1k with shipping from Germany via Fed Ex.

As for RD Sport or AC Schnitzer I wouldnt mind hearing about their products as well.

RussRamz · 7th May 2008, 05:43

I have had the H&R's installed on my car for about a year and yesterday I had Eibach springs installed. The Eibach springs are a huge improvement in ride quality while still lowering the car to an eye-pleasing level. The car no longer looks slammed and the fender/wheel gap is perfect with 12mm spacers filling out the wells nicely. I'll post some pics if anyone is interested.

I'm taking the car for a spin through the Taunus mountains here close to home to determine if handling is sacrificed in any way. It might, but since my M6 is now my daily driver, I'm willing to forfeit handling over improved ride quality.

Clyde · 7th May 2008, 07:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesInLV

A local shop here in Vegas had both the H&R and the Eibach E60 M5 springs come in for customers. They compared them and found the Eibach springs were rebadged H&Rs with a higher price tag!

Eibach is a major spring manufacturer and produces the springs for many other tuners. Eibach springs are the lowest price ($250 at TireRack). H&R springs are also very reasonably priced ($319 at TireRack).

RussRamz · 7th May 2008, 11:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clyde

Eibach is a major spring manufacturer and produces the springs for many other tuners. Eibach springs are the lowest price ($250 at TireRack). H&R springs are also very reasonably priced ($319 at TireRack).

Yes! Eibach makes springs for Hartge and Hammann. I spoke with Hartge about it and they use their own custom size and spring rates and then get Eibach to make them up. I'll tell you that my new Eibach springs are fantastic compared to H&R. I can't stress it enough.